On Mother's Day, many sons and daughters were able to give thanks to their mothers for all their hard work.

However, one local family honored the memory of their mother this weekend.

"She was my mom, my friend, my spiritual leader," said Jo Ann Huizenga, daughter of Mittie Henson's.

"She was everything."

"She was my hero," said Mittie's other daughter, Linda Hammer.

"If I could be half of what my mother was in her life, then I know I could be a good person. She was my inspiration."

Mittie Elizabeth Johnson Henson was born in April of 1929, and passed away on May 8 with her family by her side.

"If everyone could feel about their mother the way that we feel about our mother, the world would be a better place," said Hammer.

Mittie was loved as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

For Mother's Day, her family filled four pews at Franklin's Macedonia General Baptist Church in Mittie's honor.

"There's no word for what it meant to me because I know that's where she would have wanted us to be," said Hammer.

As with every loved one lost, sometimes it's the simplest memories that carry the most meaning.

"I helped her in her garden," said Huizenga.

"We loved working in the garden together."

Through honoring and remembering their mother this Mother's Day, both daughters agree that she influenced them to be better mothers and people.

"Her love," said Hammer.

"Her love for her kids and her love for her grand kids was amazing. You don't see much of that kind of love in this world today."

Mittie's daughters also agree remembering their mother's life is a gift to them on this Mother's Day.